Category Archives: dried beans

I don’t have a gazillion dollars to spend on groceries (or anything else for that matter- SHUCKS!). However, I’m still able to feed my family very well, and very healthily, just by going back to the basics: DRIED BEANS. Dried beans are incredibly healthy, packed full of protein and fiber, and they are so yummy and filling!

We love this 17 Bean & Barley Mix from trusty ol’ Trader Joes. For those of you not in a TJ’s region, first item of business for you: Petition with your local authorities to have them build one STAT!; OR just go to a store with a bulk items section and search for something similar you’re bound to find it! This entire bag will last our family of four for AT LEAST two dinners (if we don’t eat seconds or thirds the first night- it’s THAT yummy!). The best part: it cost under $2! So, after adding a side salad of fruit and spinach, our family is able to eat dinner for less than $5. Pretty amazing if you ask me!

Some of the health benefits you will get from including dried beans in your diet:

Rich in antioxidants. Beans, especially black beans, are loaded with antioxidants. They have 10 times more antioxidants than oranges and the equivalent amounts as grapes and cranberries.

Rich in fiber. Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar. The fiber in beans is beneficial for those with hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Rich in molybdenum. Molybdenum is a trace mineral that helps detoxify sulfites from your body. Sulfites are a preservative found in salads in restaurant salad bars. Some people are sensitive to sulfites. Symptoms like headache, disorientation or rapid heartbeat can occur after consuming salads with sulfites.

Rich in magnesium. Magnesium is essential for a healthy heart. When there is sufficient magnesium in the body, the vessels and veins are able to relax. This allows the blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow without resistance.

Rich in iron. Iron is needed for energy. Women benefit from the increased iron in their diet from beans, especially while they are menstruating. Pregnant and lactating women also have an increased need for iron, as well as children and adolescents.

Rich in protein. Beans provide plenty of protein. When combined with a healthy fat, a variety of vegetables and some soaked or fermented grains you will get a variety of nutrients in your diet.

About Green Fed

Welcome to Green Fed! My family changed our eating lifestyle at the beginning of 2011, and are now consuming a 95% plant-based diet. This blog will have tried and true recipes that we love, and we hope you will try them... you may be surprised at how delicious VEGAN can be!

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